Matt and I met in December of 2016 when I was a senior in college and he was already stationed at Vandenberg Air Force base near Santa Barbara, CA. In the summer of 2016, we both decided to download a dating app called Bumble. We happened to “match,” but I decided not to message him (on this app, the girl has to message the guy first). As my senior year approached, I made a decision to delete the app -- I decided I wasn’t much of a “dating app” kind of girl. It just so happened that Matt also decided to delete the app around the same time as me. December came around, and I was back in Riverside for Christmas break. At this point, I decided to redownload Bumble (little did I know, Matt also decided to redownload the app as well). A few days before Christmas, I “swiped right” on someone named Matt. I did a double take and noticed that it was the same Matt I had previously “matched” with. I texted two of my best friends and asked “Didn’t this guy go to Poly High School?” My best friend responded: “Yes! He is so sweet, you should message him!” What the heck, I thought to myself. I messaged him, and a few days later we went on our first date at Heroes Restaurant in Downtown Riverside. Knowing he had to go back to work soon, he asked me on a second date and we went on a hike up Mount Rubidoux the next day. After our second date, I honestly thought I would never see him again because he has lived 3 hours away from me, and I was still in college. Well, clearly God had other plans, because 3.5 years later, here we are!

When deciding how to propose to Edenrose, I reflected on the time we had spent with one another and the many beautiful places we had been. After much deliberation and getting input from family, friends, and even the lady I bought the ring from, I chose to propose at Presqu’ile Winery. You have probably seen many photos of it from the proposal already, but it is a beautiful winery nestled in the hills of Santa Maria, California that overlooks a valley of grape vines and farmland, and on a clear day you can see the ocean from the patio. Edenrose and I had gone there many times to enjoy great wine and even greater views so going there did not raise any suspicions. I coordinated with the winery so our small group of friends and family could hide in a side room, while Edenrose and I arrived, got a glass of wine and made our way out to the patio area without her knowing a thing. I somehow kept my cool and made it seem like there was no plan for the day to keep her unsuspicious because in another life she would have been a detective. Also, I bought a slim ring case so she wouldn’t notice a large ring box poking out of my pant pocket. With everything in place, all we needed was the ring, but after the third time of the ring failing quality standards it was not going to be ready in time… Luckily the ring in the case at the jewelry store fit Edenrose’s finger and they let me borrow it for the engagement so if any of you thought the diamond looked fake, it was! :) As Edenrose and I were on the patio, our friends and family made their way out to us and completely shocked Edenrose (go watch the video). Then, I got down on one knee and proposed to the love of my life!